He is eleven
earning dollars
to take care of his brother and sister.
Their ages three and six
don’t add up to his.
His mother died seven months ago,
but he has no time
to waste on her.
He must practice his English
and earn bread from tourists.
The children play in the street,
sleep in the street,
fall sick in the street together.
The sister looks for her mother.
Sleeps to dream of her.
The six year old follows his brother,
gnawing his knuckles in hunger.
Would one like a child to keep?
Three to feed and have them
call you mother?
Can one afford three children in Nepal,
up for grabs as long as they last,
maybe not longer than tomorrow?